Best Costumes, Moments From Brooklyn’s Annual West Indian Day Parade
Brooklyn’s rich cultural fabric is stitched together by the many immigrant communities that call the borough home—but none have left quite as vibrant a mark as its thriving Caribbean population.
Each Labor Day, that influence takes center stage during J’Ouvert, an early-morning celebration of Caribbean pride that transforms the streets of Crown Heights into a lively, colorful Carnival, otherwise known as the West Indian Day Parade.
Running along Eastern Parkway, the West Indian Day Parade draws thousands from across the five boroughs and beyond. Revelers wave their flags high, dance to the rhythms of soca and steelpan, and fill the air with joy and liberation. Vendors line the sidewalks, offering everything from flavorful Caribbean dishes to festive regalia, adding to the high-energy, cultural immersion of the event.
And at the heart of it all? The unforgettable outfits and happening that occur throughout the day. Here are some of the most striking costumes, moments and looks from this year’s West Indian Day celebration.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
NYC’s annual West Indian Day Parade and J’Ouvert celebrations take place on the streets of Brooklyn on September 01, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York, USA.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Nazli Zeynep Karabulut/Anadolu via Getty Images
A performer in a red carnival costume participates in the kickoff ceremony of the West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival in Brooklyn, New York on September 01, 2025. The event featured New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Assembly member Zohran Mamdani, who is running in the New York City mayoral race, elected officials, cultural performers, and community leaders joining in the pre-parade ceremonies.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images
People wearing colorful costumes, attend the West Indian Day Parade, which held annually on around the first Monday of September to celebrate West Indian culture, in Brooklyn, New York, USA on September 01, 2025. Six people were shot, and one stabbed at the parade despite heavy police presence.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images
People wearing colorful costumes, attend the West Indian Day Parade, which held annually on around the first Monday of September to celebrate West Indian culture, in Brooklyn, New York, USA on September 01, 2025. Six people were shot, and one stabbed at the parade despite heavy police presence.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images
People wearing colorful costumes, attend the West Indian Day Parade, which held annually on around the first Monday of September to celebrate West Indian culture, in Brooklyn, New York, USA on September 01, 2025. Six people were shot, and one stabbed at the parade despite heavy police presence.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images
People wearing colorful costumes, attend the West Indian Day Parade, which held annually on around the first Monday of September to celebrate West Indian culture, in Brooklyn, New York, USA on September 01, 2025. Six people were shot, and one stabbed at the parade despite heavy police presence.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
Participants wear and wave flags during the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Rob Kim/Getty Images
New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani attends the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
A participant in costume is seen during the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
A participant in costume is seen during the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
A participant holds a fan with the flag of Haiti during the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
A participant waves the flag of Haiti during the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Rob Kim/Getty Images
Assemblymember Latrice M. Walker attends the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
A participant in costume is seen during the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
2025 A parade participant performs during the West Indian Day Parade on September 01, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
A participant in costume is seen during the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
A participant in costume waves the Jamaican flag during the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
A participant wears and waves the flag of Panama during the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
A participant in costume is seen during the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
Attorney General of New York Letitia James participates in the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
A participant in costume is seen during the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
A participant in costume is seen during the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
A participant in costume is seen during the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
A participant in costume is seen during the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
A participant in costume is seen during the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Alejandra Villa Loarca/Newsday RM via Getty Images
Costumed marchers in this year’s West Indian Day Parade, in Brooklyn, New York on September 1, 2025.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
A participant is seen during the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images
NYC’s annual West Indian Day Parade and J’Ouvert celebrations take place on the streets of Brooklyn on September 01, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York, USA.
The annual West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival in New York
Image Credit: Alejandra Villa Loarca/Newsday RM via Getty Images)
A dancer wearing a colorful costume marches in this year’s West Indian Day Parade, September 1, 2025 in Brooklyn, New York.
The annual West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival in New York
Image Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
A participant in costume is seen during the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
A parade participant performs during the West Indian Day Parade on September 01, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
The annual West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival in New York
Image Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
A participant in costume is seen during the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
The annual West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival in New York
Image Credit: Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images
NYC’s annual West Indian Day Parade and J’Ouvert celebrations take place on the streets of Brooklyn on September 01, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York, USA.
The annual West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival in New York
Image Credit: Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images
NYC’s annual West Indian Day Parade and J’Ouvert celebrations take place on the streets of Brooklyn on September 01, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York, USA.
The annual West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival in New York
Image Credit: Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images
NYC’s annual West Indian Day Parade and J’Ouvert celebrations take place on the streets of Brooklyn on September 01, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York, USA.
The annual West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival in New York
Image Credit: Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images
NYC’s annual West Indian Day Parade and J’Ouvert celebrations take place on the streets of Brooklyn on September 01, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York, USA.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
2025 A parade participant performs during the West Indian Day Parade on September 01, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
The annual West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival in New York
Image Credit: Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images
NYC’s annual West Indian Day Parade and J’Ouvert celebrations take place on the streets of Brooklyn on September 01, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York, USA.
The annual West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival in New York
Image Credit: Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images
NYC’s annual West Indian Day Parade and J’Ouvert celebrations take place on the streets of Brooklyn on September 01, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York, USA.
The annual West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival in New York
Image Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
A participant in costume is seen during the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on September 01, 2025 in New York City.
The annual West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival in New York
Image Credit: Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images
NYC’s annual West Indian Day Parade and J’Ouvert celebrations take place on the streets of Brooklyn on September 01, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York, USA.
The annual West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival in New York
Image Credit: Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images
NYC’s annual West Indian Day Parade and J’Ouvert celebrations take place on the streets of Brooklyn on September 01, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York, USA.
Revelers Attend Guyana Independence Parade In Brooklyn
Image Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
People participate in the annual Guyana Independence Parade in Brooklyn on June 01, 2025 in New York City. This year’s parade, which also includes an afternoon of food and celebrations, is dedicated to Adriana Younge’s memory. Younge was an 11-year-old Guyanese girl whose death sparked national protests and international outcry over allegations that officials with the government were involved in a cover-up. The Brooklyn Independence celebration is the largest Guyanese celebration outside of Guyana and one of the largest West Indian celebrations in New York City, following the West Indian American Day Parade.
Revelers Attend Guyana Independence Parade In Brooklyn
Image Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
A person holds a poster for Adriana Younge as they participate in the annual Guyana Independence Parade in Brooklyn on June 01, 2025 in New York City. This year’s parade, which also includes an afternoon of food and celebrations, is dedicated to Adriana Younge’s memory. Younge was an 11-year-old Guyanese girl whose death sparked national protests and international outcry over allegations that officials with the government were involved in a cover-up. The Brooklyn Independence celebration is the largest Guyanese celebration outside of Guyana and one of the largest West Indian celebrations in New York City, following the West Indian American Day Parade.
Revelers Attend Guyana Independence Parade In Brooklyn
Image Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 01: People participate in the annual Guyana Independence Parade in Brooklyn on June 01, 2025 in New York City. This year’s parade, which also includes an afternoon of food and celebrations, is dedicated to Adriana Younge’s memory. Younge was an 11-year-old Guyanese girl whose death sparked national protests and international outcry over allegations that officials with the government were involved in a cover-up. The Brooklyn Independence celebration is the largest Guyanese celebration outside of Guyana and one of the largest West Indian celebrations in New York City, following the West Indian American Day Parade.
The annual West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival in New York
Image Credit: (Photo by Nazli Zeynep Karabulut/Anadolu via Getty Images
Performers in colorful carnival costumes poseduring the kickoff ceremony of the West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival in Brooklyn, New York on September 01, 2025. The event featured New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Assembly member Zohran Mamdani, who is running in the New York City mayoral race, elected officials, cultural performers, and community leaders joining in the pre-parade ceremonies.
Revelers Attend Guyana Independence Parade In Brooklyn
Image Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
People participate in the annual Guyana Independence Parade in Brooklyn on June 01, 2025 in New York City. This year’s parade, which also includes an afternoon of food and celebrations, is dedicated to Adriana Younge’s memory. Younge was an 11-year-old Guyanese girl whose death sparked national protests and international outcry over allegations that officials with the government were involved in a cover-up. The Brooklyn Independence celebration is the largest Guyanese celebration outside of Guyana and one of the largest West Indian celebrations in New York City, following the West Indian American Day Parade.
Revelers Attend Guyana Independence Parade In Brooklyn
Image Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
People participate in the annual Guyana Independence Parade in Brooklyn on June 01, 2025 in New York City. This year’s parade, which also includes an afternoon of food and celebrations, is dedicated to Adriana Younge’s memory. Younge was an 11-year-old Guyanese girl whose death sparked national protests and international outcry over allegations that officials with the government were involved in a cover-up. The Brooklyn Independence celebration is the largest Guyanese celebration outside of Guyana and one of the largest West Indian celebrations in New York City, following the West Indian American Day Parade.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
Rev. Al Sharpton and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul attend the 2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade on September 01, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
Parade participants perform during the West Indian Day Parade on September 01, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Revelers Attend Guyana Independence Parade In Brooklyn
Image Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
People participate in the annual Guyana Independence Parade in Brooklyn on June 01, 2025 in New York City. This year’s parade, which also includes an afternoon of food and celebrations, is dedicated to Adriana Younge’s memory. Younge was an 11-year-old Guyanese girl whose death sparked national protests and international outcry over allegations that officials with the government were involved in a cover-up. The Brooklyn Independence celebration is the largest Guyanese celebration outside of Guyana and one of the largest West Indian celebrations in New York City, following the West Indian American Day Parade.
Revelers Attend Guyana Independence Parade In Brooklyn
Image Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
People participate in the annual Guyana Independence Parade in Brooklyn on June 01, 2025 in New York City. This year’s parade, which also includes an afternoon of food and celebrations, is dedicated to Adriana Younge’s memory. Younge was an 11-year-old Guyanese girl whose death sparked national protests and international outcry over allegations that officials with the government were involved in a cover-up. The Brooklyn Independence celebration is the largest Guyanese celebration outside of Guyana and one of the largest West Indian celebrations in New York City, following the West Indian American Day Parade.
Revelers Attend Guyana Independence Parade In Brooklyn
Image Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
A person holds a poster for Adriana Younge as they participate in the annual Guyana Independence Parade in Brooklyn on June 01, 2025 in New York City. This year’s parade, which also includes an afternoon of food and celebrations, is dedicated to Adriana Younge’s memory. Younge was an 11-year-old Guyanese girl whose death sparked national protests and international outcry over allegations that officials with the government were involved in a cover-up. The Brooklyn Independence celebration is the largest Guyanese celebration outside of Guyana and one of the largest West Indian celebrations in New York City, following the West Indian American Day Parade.
Revelers Attend Guyana Independence Parade In Brooklyn
Image Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
People participate in the annual Guyana Independence Parade in Brooklyn on June 01, 2025 in New York City. This year’s parade, which also includes an afternoon of food and celebrations, is dedicated to Adriana Younge’s memory. Younge was an 11-year-old Guyanese girl whose death sparked national protests and international outcry over allegations that officials with the government were involved in a cover-up. The Brooklyn Independence celebration is the largest Guyanese celebration outside of Guyana and one of the largest West Indian celebrations in New York City, following the West Indian American Day Parade.
Revelers Attend Guyana Independence Parade In Brooklyn
Image Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
A person holds a poster for Adriana Younge as they participate in the annual Guyana Independence Parade in Brooklyn on June 01, 2025 in New York City. This year’s parade, which also includes an afternoon of food and celebrations, is dedicated to Adriana Younge’s memory. Younge was an 11-year-old Guyanese girl whose death sparked national protests and international outcry over allegations that officials with the government were involved in a cover-up. The Brooklyn Independence celebration is the largest Guyanese celebration outside of Guyana and one of the largest West Indian celebrations in New York City, following the West Indian American Day Parade.
Revelers Attend Guyana Independence Parade In Brooklyn
Image Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
People participate in the annual Guyana Independence Parade in Brooklyn on June 01, 2025 in New York City. This year’s parade, which also includes an afternoon of food and celebrations, is dedicated to Adriana Younge’s memory. Younge was an 11-year-old Guyanese girl whose death sparked national protests and international outcry over allegations that officials with the government were involved in a cover-up. The Brooklyn Independence celebration is the largest Guyanese celebration outside of Guyana and one of the largest West Indian celebrations in New York City, following the West Indian American Day Parade.
Revelers Attend Guyana Independence Parade In Brooklyn
Image Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
People participate in the annual Guyana Independence Parade in Brooklyn on June 01, 2025 in New York City. This year’s parade, which also includes an afternoon of food and celebrations, is dedicated to Adriana Younge’s memory. Younge was an 11-year-old Guyanese girl whose death sparked national protests and international outcry over allegations that officials with the government were involved in a cover-up. The Brooklyn Independence celebration is the largest Guyanese celebration outside of Guyana and one of the largest West Indian celebrations in New York City, following the West Indian American Day Parade.
Revelers Attend Guyana Independence Parade In Brooklyn
Image Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
People participate in the annual Guyana Independence Parade in Brooklyn on June 01, 2025 in New York City. This year’s parade, which also includes an afternoon of food and celebrations, is dedicated to Adriana Younge’s memory. Younge was an 11-year-old Guyanese girl whose death sparked national protests and international outcry over allegations that officials with the government were involved in a cover-up. The Brooklyn Independence celebration is the largest Guyanese celebration outside of Guyana and one of the largest West Indian celebrations in New York City, following the West Indian American Day Parade.
Revelers Attend Guyana Independence Parade In Brooklyn
Image Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
People participate in the annual Guyana Independence Parade in Brooklyn on June 01, 2025 in New York City. This year’s parade, which also includes an afternoon of food and celebrations, is dedicated to Adriana Younge’s memory. Younge was an 11-year-old Guyanese girl whose death sparked national protests and international outcry over allegations that officials with the government were involved in a cover-up. The Brooklyn Independence celebration is the largest Guyanese celebration outside of Guyana and one of the largest West Indian celebrations in New York City, following the West Indian American Day Parade.
Revelers Attend Guyana Independence Parade In Brooklyn
Image Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
People participate in the annual Guyana Independence Parade in Brooklyn on June 01, 2025 in New York City. This year’s parade, which also includes an afternoon of food and celebrations, is dedicated to Adriana Younge’s memory. Younge was an 11-year-old Guyanese girl whose death sparked national protests and international outcry over allegations that officials with the government were involved in a cover-up. The Brooklyn Independence celebration is the largest Guyanese celebration outside of Guyana and one of the largest West Indian celebrations in New York City, following the West Indian American Day Parade.
Revelers Attend Guyana Independence Parade In Brooklyn
Image Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
People participate in the annual Guyana Independence Parade in Brooklyn on June 01, 2025 in New York City. This year’s parade, which also includes an afternoon of food and celebrations, is dedicated to Adriana Younge’s memory. Younge was an 11-year-old Guyanese girl whose death sparked national protests and international outcry over allegations that officials with the government were involved in a cover-up. The Brooklyn Independence celebration is the largest Guyanese celebration outside of Guyana and one of the largest West Indian celebrations in New York City, following the West Indian American Day Parade.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Nazli Zeynep Karabulut/Anadolu via Getty Images
New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani poses with a community member during the kickoff ceremony of the West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival in Brooklyn, New York on September 01, 2025. The event featured New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Assembly member Zohran Mamdani, who is running in the New York City mayoral race, elected officials, cultural performers, and community leaders joining in the pre-parade ceremonies.
2025 NYC West Indian Day Parade
Image Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
2025 Parade participants perform during the West Indian Day Parade on September 01, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
